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Recycle yourself and donate your organs

March 03, 2019

Did you know more than 20 people die every day waiting for organs and according to the American Transplant Foundation, a name is added to the transplant waiting list every ten minutes.

And did you know one person can save eight lives? Crazy! When you consider a legacy and what you are leaving behind, how amazing would it be to know you could save eight other people?

There are two types of organ donation: whole body and organ/tissue donation. Both types need a little preparation but it’s easy.

Medical schools need whole bodies for education and research. You need to make arrangements with the school you’ve selected while you are alive and let your doctor and loved ones know. There is typically no expense for the family, although it’s good to verify that with the school you’ve selected. You can arrange to have your cremated remains returned to your family or allow the school to handle them.

It’s possible that even though you plan to donate your body, the school won’t need it at the time of your death, or you may die in circumstances that make it difficult to use your body (while in surgery, for example) so it’s important to have a Plan B.

You can also donate organs and tissues, including corneas, hearts, livers, kidneys, skin, intestines, bone and connective tissues like tendons. All expenses are covered by the recipient, so it’s free for your family.